You painted such a desolate picture of Severus in the first three chapters... his loneliness and misery were so palpable, it brought tears to my eyes.

And now, just when he was on the verge of giving up, up pops the woman he was searching for. Makes one believe that a higher power was at work, bringing Hermione to him just in the nick of time.

Beautiful work as ever, Subversa!

awwwhhhhh.  Now lets hope he doesn't say anything else amis.

Yay!  Although I shouldn't "yay" too soon.  I haven't any idea how long this story is, so don't know whether to expect just a bit of fluff, or something with a dash of angst and drama.  Either way, I know it will be fabulous!

This story is soooo good.

Sometimes fantasy is better than reality.  Severus is too hard on himself.  Can't wait frothe next chapter.

I can appreciate his feelings, but daydreaming will get him nowhere.  Unless he uses them to formulate a plan.  Sometimes when he is being particularly cowardly, I get mad at him and think, "get over it, buddy.  Do something or qut sulking."  For some reason, in this tale, I feel the utmost  sympathy for him.  This is so well written, I actually feel as if I am right there with him, experiencing the heartache.  I hope in the end, you allow him to have a happy Christmas!

Poor guy drowning in regret of the missed opportunities...  Can't wait to see what happens next!

He is full of self-pity now, but will he act and take a risk? :)

Can't he stalk her somewhere a little more useful? ;)

But where there's hope, there lies possibility. :)

Goodness this had me in tears. Poor Severus so painfully shy and lonely, you just want to take him in your arms and love him.

Oh my goodness... tears. I am in pain reading this - please, tell me there will be happiness in this somewhere. This is just too poignant. poor Severus.

Surely they both keep in touch with a mutual acquaintance.  He can just owl Minerva saying, "Hey, hope you are well.  How the hell do I get in touch with Hermione Granger?"  Yes, I know, that would make for a much less poignant story, but, it is just so sad to see him sitting there, year after year, longing for a glimpse of her.  But then, in the end he "isn't going after her".  Does that mean he knows where to find her, but just doesn't have to nerve to do so?  That may be even more sad. *Anxiously awaits a Christmas miracle*

Hey, always glad to see you around again.  Nice start, and looking very forward to more.

Since he won't go after her, will she come after him?  Is she there in the same fashion hoping that he'll appear?

Can't wait to read more!

Oh my goodness. The angst makes my heart ache - I really hope you have a happy ending planned before Christmas!

Poor Severus.  I hope everything goes his way.

Very nice chapter. For all his bravery, it always strikes me as a streak of cowardice that keeps him from going after what he wants in stories similar to this...

Im really like this so far....can't wait to read more. I hope Severus does get up the nerve to go after her at some point he deserves some happiness in his life.

I heartily like the style of this. Well done you.

Sounds quite sad and bleak, but promising.  Looking forward to more!

Aww, thank you for writing this new Xmas story! I love it.

I look forward to reading the next chapter.

I am so happy to see a new story from you!  Yay  love it!

oh yay - a Subversa story!!!!!  Happy Dance!

I am happy you started a new story. It is beatiful